French champions Lyon question Confederations Cup timing

Posted
April 08, 2003 13:10:00

French champions Lyon have asked for the the start of the 2003-2004 season to be delayed so international players can rest after the Confederations Cup.

"The French League made a mistake when they decided that the Ligue 1 should start on August 2. It's not fair for the clubs whose international palyers are taking part in the Confederations Cup," Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas told Reuters on Monday.

"Our best players will have to shorten their break and they will be tired for the European competitions and may miss the start of the championship," he said.

Aulas said Lyon could have between five and 10 players involved in the eight-nation tournament due to take place in France between June 8 and 29.

"I have asked the League to allow us and other clubs in the same situation to be allowed not to play in the French championship before August 9 but I think the best solution would be to delay the Ligue 1's kickoff for a week", he added.

Other big clubs have questioned the timing of the Confederations Cup.

Arsene Wenger, manager of English champions Arsenal who have a number of France internationals, has asked for a meeting with France national coach Jacques Santini.

Bayern Munich's Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Manchester United's Peter Kenyon called on FIFA to downgrade or even cancel the tournament.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter remained unmoved.

"The competition has been on the calendar since 2000 and everyone is aware of the period it will be played," he said earlier this month. "The clubs will have to allow players to play if they are asked by a national association."